SOG Specialty Knives and Tools announced that it's signed Mike Iaconelli to a sponsorship agreement.
“There is no personality that better defines competitive bass fishing today than Mike Iaconelli,” said SOG founder and CEO Spencer Frazer. “His energy, talent and dedication are primary drivers contributing to the growth of this sport.
"We are delighted to have Mike as our partner and look forward to combining his knowledge and insight into bass fishing with our experience in design to develop knives and tools that will enhance both the experience and success of those who share a passion for bass fishing. Like our brand, Mike is authentic. With his guidance, we’re excited to be increasing our presence in the bass fishing world.”
Said Iaconelli: “From an early age, I realized how important quality knives and tools specifically designed with the bass angler in mind were to success. SOG's dedication to quality, authenticity, innovation and the needs of the consumer have made them the leading brand among outdoorsmen and I am anxious to build their presence in the bass fishing world and to leverage their experience with my ideas for the types of knives and tools I have always dreamed of, but not been able to find.”
SOG was founded in 1986 by Frazer, a former tool and die-maker for the Top Secret Black Projects Division of the aerospace defense industry. SOG’s name was inspired by an elite joint services military unit – the Studies and Observation Group – formed in advance of the Vietnam War to conduct covert operations and sanctioned to develop and purchase their own weapons.
Also, the third season of Iaconelli's TV show, City Limits Fishing, kicks off Friday (Feb. 12) at 9 p.m. Eastern on the Versus Network. Here's a look at this season's schedule:
> Feb. 12 (Phoenix, Ariz.) – Iaconelli fishes one of the city's man-made lakes with fellow pro Brett Hite.
> Feb. 19 (Boston, Mass.) – Striped bass in Boston Harbor with friend Rich Armstrong.
> Feb. 26 (Pittsburgh, Pa.) – Pursuing bass on the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers.
> March 5 (Memphis, Tenn.) – Bass on the mighty Mississippi River.
> March 12 (Milwaukee, Wis.) – Monster brown trout in Milwaukee Harbor.
> March 26 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – A "saltwater slam" and redfish on the St. Johns River with guide Jim Anderson.
